More Serie A interest in City stars suggest Press

With a saturation of Carlos Tevez stories filling today’s back pages and websites, we’ll look more closely at a thread that, at the moment, seems to be gathering momentum.

Hopefully, it’s down to nothing more than a quiet(ish) period of inactivity in the transfer market and little else, but several reports today continue to link Micah Richards with a move to Italy.

With a raft of stories suggestions Tevez is heading to Serie A as well, a well-worn path is beginning to form from the Etihad with Nigel de Jong and Mario Balotelli already at AC Milan (and Robinho before them).

Fanatix.com report: “Long-term Manchester City defender Richards is a transfer target for Inter Milan either permanently or on-loan.

“Richards has fallen somewhat out-of-favour at the Etihad Stadium in recent times and that, coupled with a knee injury, saw the 25-year-old make just eight appearances in the 2012/13 campaign.

“The England international is behind Pablo Zabaleta for a starting place at right-back and is also vying with Brazilian veteran Maicon for the spot.

“City have told Richards that despite still having two years left on his current contract they will offer him a new deal, although a regular starting place cannot be guaranteed.”

A season-long injury is the main reason Micah missed so many games, but never let the truth spoil a good story!

Sky Sports, however, follow a similar vein: “Richards has hinted that he would be prepared to spend his entire career at City, with contract extension talks being held, but no agreement has been reached as yet.

"That is keeping the transfer door ajar for Inter, with Dario Canovi admitting that anything is still possible.

"'What is Richards' situation at Manchester City? They have offered a new contract, but Richards has not accepted as yet.'"

Arsenal’s Santi Cazorla, meanwhile, has nothing but positive words to say about City boss Manuel Pellegrini who he believes will be a huge success in England.

Cazorla flourished under Manuel at Malaga and The Sport Review write: “'I find it strange that some people don’t know about him,' Cazorla told the official Arsenal Magazine.

“He’s done spectacular things with Malaga and Villarreal in the Champions League. Clubs like City obviously want him for a reason and, ultimately, it’s for the job he’s done.

He’s demonstrated he is top class. At whatever team he’s been at – Malaga, Villarreal, Real Madrid – he’s done well. He’s had those teams playing spectacular football and I’m sure City will be a better team

...Santi Cazorla...

"Cazorla also believes that Pellegrini will be able to get the Citizens playing attractive football.

'I’m sure City’s football will change and will be more offensive,' he added. 'I’m very happy for him because he deserves to be at a club of that level. He’s getting his reward. He’s been so important to my career.'”